Optional Grievance Mediation. If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2, the Association may request grievance mediation. The Association shall notify the District in writing within ten (10) days of receipt of the Step 2 response of its desire to refer the grievance to mediation. The District shall respond in writing to the Association within five (5) days of receipt of the Association notification whether or not the District agrees to mediation. If the parties agree to mediation, they shall attempt to agree on a mediator. The mediator will have the authority to meet and discuss the matter separately with either party, but will not have the authority to compel resolution of the grievance. The presentation of facts and considerations shall not be limited to those presented at Step 2. Proceedings shall be informal in nature. Any settlement agreed to shall be reduced to writing by the mediator and, if necessary, shall be enforceable through the grievance procedure of the Agreement. The fees and expenses of the mediator and related costs shall be borne equally by the parties. If no settlement is reached, the grievance may be continued to arbitration.
Appears in 8 contracts
Sources: Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Collective Bargaining Agreement